Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2013
605. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce supports for farmers who will have a serious reduction in their incomes when they have completed their REP scheme contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32071/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAgri-Environment Schemes, namely the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) are delivered through the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, as approved by the European Commission. Future supports and policies will be determined in the context of the agreement on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the introduction of the EU regulatory framework governing the next programming period 2014-2020. I expect that environmental sustainability will continue to play a key role in any future agri-environment scheme.
